A Marine's Second Chance: A Marine for You/SEALed for You Crossover Novella Read Online Free PDF Page B

something that’s cherished. She gave her husband’s life and his death meaning, and by doing that, she’s giving others closure.
    It could have easily been Jeffrey that day. She was forever thankful he made it home to her, even if he was a slightly different man now. She placed her hand on her stomach, gently rubbing over the spot where their baby was growing. We’re going to make that change. We’re going to help him see there’s still good in the world, and that it’s okay to be happy.

Chapter Six
    S eated at the head of the table, Wyoming reached up to caress her earrings, reminding herself that even though Jeffrey was missing this moment, he would be back for the birth of their child and that was what really mattered. This wasn’t the first time he hadn’t been there and it wouldn’t be the last. When she married a Marine, she knew he’d be away occasionally and there would be holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions he’d miss. Because of that, she always planned to cherish the moments he was there.
    “Dinner was delicious.” Judy placed her napkin on the table next to her plate. “With all your spare time, you should bottle your pasta sauce. It’s better than anything on the market.”
    “My spare time will soon be more limited.”
    “Oh, Wyoming, if this is because of the job”
    “Mom. This isn’t about the job for Kyle. I’m more than happy to do that, and I’m looking forward to that project.” Wyoming pushed back from the table. “I’m pregnant.”
    “Oh, Wyoming.” Tears leaked from Judy’s eyes as she pulled back from the table. “Jeffrey…does he know?”
    With a nod, she let out the breath she had been holding. For a brief moment, she almost thought Judy was going to ask if it was his child, and just the thought that her mother-in-law would ask that tightened her chest. “The doctor called confirming what I thought the morning he left and I told him before he left. He thinks it’s going to be a girl.”
    “Our family wives’ tale.” Peter shook his head. “It’s true, but Jeffrey has always done things his own way. I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if you end up giving him a son instead.”
    “This is wonderful news.” Judy rose from her chair and came over to her. “We’re going to be grandparents. Something I wasn’t sure would ever happen.”
    “Why?” she asked as Judy embraced her.
    “I didn’t even know you two were thinking about starting a family,” Judy said quickly without looking at her.
    “Don’t lie to her. She deserves the truth.” Peter shook his head. “Jeffrey always resented my military career because it took me away from him. He saw every missed football or baseball game as a direct hit against him. He asked me once if he was a better son, would I be there for his games like all of the other fathers.”
    “It wasn’t only that, but Jeffrey has been so distant since the last deployment.” Judy stepped back toward her husband, placed her hand on his shoulder, and he reached up to lay his hand over hers. “Even though neither of you said anything, I could see the distance between you. Over the years, every military spouse goes through it. We did. A marriage with one of the spouses in the military has challenges that others don’t, but if they love each other enough to fight for their marriage like they’ll fight for their country, they’ll get through it. I had hope you and Jeffrey would get through it.”
    She didn’t know what to say. Things were still rocky between them, but for the first time she could feel Jeffrey trying. Would it continue? She wasn’t sure. But not just for the sake of their child, but for the sake of their marriage, she was willing to fight for him. She loved him and she knew he loved her. The distance he put between them wasn’t because of her or a lack of love between them. He would see the walls he built, keeping her out, as a way of protecting her. She didn’t want to be protected or sheltered from